Triumphrat

jasmail · 11-02-2004

I am new to this site, so sorry if this is a repeat. Also, my questions are NOT intended to start any type of flaming sessions. Any input is appreciated.

I am looking at buying a '97 adventurer. Can you all give me the pros and cons, problems, things to watch out for with this model. How's the handling, suspension, etc..
It is a single owner, garage kept and covered and the owner has all maint. records. It looks to be in show room condition. Thanks,

tbsrider2000 · 11-02-2004

I have a '00 Thunderbird Sport.. similar bike, same motor, etc..

I'm coming up on 30,000 miles and have only had one problem during that time. The starter brushes wore out and I had to replace them.. Kind of a pain to find, but after some research, brushes for a Kawasaki EX500 will fir right in..
Other people have mentioned problems with coils.. but I haven't had that happen..

I was after an Adventurer when I bought my TBS 4 years ago.. being a similar bike, I don't think you have any problems to worry about.

bobshields55 · 11-02-2004

If the bike is a fair price then scoop it up quick.

I have owned my '97 for two years now. It is a superb bike and has not caused me any problems. The handling and suspension, as you asked, is excellent. The power and response from that lovely triple is again superb.

The only thing I recommend is to make sure the valve shims have been checked at 6000 miles. When I had mine done for the first time in the bikes life this year, they needed adjustment and the tech found a bolt coming loose on a cam chain guide. The engine was really sweet after that work was done.

Hope you get it and love it as much as I do mine.

Ride safe

Bob

Shades · 11-02-2004

I've got a '99 model and so far it's been a great bike. I liked it so much that I bought a Thunderbird to go with it. Keep an eye out as there are some good deals to be found on these bikes. And welcome to the forum!

ADVENTURERONE · 11-02-2004

I have a 97' Adventurer and have owned it since new, the maintenance was minimal. Expect some wear. The hoses were a problem in the Florida heat, I replaced all the hoses with American made. The Avon tires developed spider cracks but managed to get 12000+ out of each set. Be sure you have good rubber Avon tires mounted and balanced could cost $400+. Parts and service are expensive for my taste but talk to people who own Harley's and you'll feel better. There is a good mechanic at Tampa BMW AND TRIUMPH their rate is 71.5 an hour thats high for a Triumph. The dealership in Springhill is 50.00 I know nothing about their mechanics. Just know one thing finding the best mechanic is very important for these bikes it will be the difference of fun and headaches. I know this from experience during my first year of ownership. Buy a Haynes manual. The bike is all metal except for the plastic radiator grille to me all metal is better for Florida heat. The finish on th bike is still like new and runs better than new. I like my Adventurer so much its hard to believe Ive had it for seven years, I feel like I just bought it. If the bike you are looking at is as good as you say and you want to buy it check its value at Kelly's Blue book website for a fair price.

jasmail · 11-03-2004

It has 15k miles and is in showroom condition. The owner is asking $4200. Does that sound fair? It has all the extra Triumph chrome, Avon Tires (new last year), and Triumph saddle bags.

Thanks for all the input from everyone!

Quote:

On 2004-11-02 19:59, ADVENTURERONE wrote:
I have a 97' Adventurer and have owned it since new, the maintenance was minimal. Expect some wear. The hoses were a problem in the Florida heat, I replaced all the hoses with American made. The Avon tires developed spider cracks but managed to get 12000+ out of each set. Be sure you have good rubber Avon tires mounted and balanced could cost $400+. Parts and service are expensive for my taste but talk to people who own Harley's and you'll feel better. There is a good mechanic at Tampa BMW AND TRIUMPH their rate is 71.5 an hour thats high for a Triumph. The dealership in Springhill is 50.00 I know nothing about their mechanics. Just know one thing finding the best mechanic is very important for these bikes it will be the difference of fun and headaches. I know this from experience during my first year of ownership. Buy a Haynes manual. The bike is all metal except for the plastic radiator grille to me all metal is better for Florida heat. The finish on th bike is still like new and runs better than new. I like my Adventurer so much its hard to believe Ive had it for seven years, I feel like I just bought it. If the bike you are looking at is as good as you say and you want to buy it check its value at Kelly's Blue book website for a fair price.

ADVENTURERONE · 11-03-2004

Triumph motorcycles in the Tampa bay area are in my experience hard to sale. How long has it been on the market? Again check the value of the bike at Kelly blue book its free or go on auto trader website to compare price. In 97' alot of the chrome was standard and had a bigger price tag than the latter models. The latter models had less chrome and lighter in weight from about 490lbs to I think 470lbs. The frame also had a design change. The miles are right and everything is as you say it may be the right bike for you. If your financing the lender will give you price information.Good luck